“VUT’s IHAU hosted a women’s dialogue on 29 Aug 2025, covering mental health, GBV, FAS, financial literacy, feminine hygiene & EqualityEmpowerment.”
09 September 2025 | Story By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Picture: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
The Institutional HIV and AIDS Unit (IHAU) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), supported by its peer educators, hosted a women-only dialogue at the VUT Lapa under the theme #equality empowerment. Inspired by the principle of “leaving no one behind,” the dialogue set out to celebrate, empower, and educate women through open discussion and shared expertise. The event took place on 29 August 2025.
Peer educator Ms Relebogile Masiu provided an overview of the programme, highlighting peer education as a vital initiative under IHAU that connects peer educators with staff and students to raise awareness, offer support, and lead meaningful conversations. “Our teachers always say that as peer educators we need to be ambulances of our own circles,” Ms Masiu emphasised.
Senior Counsellor Mamphoreng Mashiloane from Student Counselling and Support Services delivered a comprehensive presentation on mental health awareness, focusing on how mental health helps individuals navigate life’s challenges smoothly.
Ms Nompumelelo Bhila, a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) social worker from the Department of Social Development, educated attendees about GBV, its origins, the dangers of remaining in abusive situations, and the available reporting channels, encouraging victims to speak out. Her colleague, Windy Mofurutshe, also a social worker, presented on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome—the most severe condition within Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
The dialogue also embraced artistic expression, with the Creative Arts group performing a heartfelt poem that captured the spirit of the gathering. Zinhle “Zeena” from Population Services International (PSI), which supports Trust Sanitary Towels, shared their mission to end period poverty by donating sanitary towels. Busisiwe Radebe, an administrator from VUT Financial Aid, spoke on financial literacy, urging students to cultivate saving habits, however modest, to avoid financial dependence.
Further contributions included Ms Kholiwe Maduna, a Victim Assistant Officer from the Thuthuzela Care Centre, who explained the centre’s role as a safe haven for survivors of GBV and rape. She stressed that victims could share their stories without fear of judgment. Ms Thabile Khambule, the prevention programme coordinator, offered insights on feminine hygiene, prompting active engagement and discussion among the students.
The dialogue concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms Maureen Motsukunyane, Director of the HIV/AIDS programme since 2011, who praised the collaborative spirit that made the event impactful.